Page 42 of Champagne Kisses
“Oh girl, stop. You look great. Plus, you’ve already caught a man. I’m still recruiting for the position.” Denise laughs at Tiffany’s boldness and drinks from her mimosa.
“And I’m not looking for a man, but my style is just too good to turn off.” Denise and Tiffany tangle fingertips in bawdy camaraderie.
I begrudgingly smile at my two best friends. After years of only seeing Tiff around the holidays or the odd long weekend, I finally have both of my girls in one place for happy hour, karaoke, or the occasional “Binge & Bitch” session, where we binge a Netflix show while drinking wine and bitching about guys. I smile to myself, realizing I haven’t needed one of those since I met Adam. And speaking of Adam, I look up to see the maitre’d directing him to our table.
My God, the man is hot. I may tease him about it, but he really can dress. Today, he’s wearing a denim button down with tan jeans cuffed at the bottoms. His shirt is open enough to show a hint of chest hair, and he’s wearing his ever present Converse All Stars. I’m not the only one who notices him walk in—I see a few women practically break their necks to get a look—but his eye contact with me is unwavering.
He makes his way through the crowded restaurant like a heat seeking missile locked on to my womanhood; my pussy actually gets wetter the closer he gets. I keep waiting for my intense attraction to Adam to wear off, but it just seems to increase the more I get to know him. Not only is he sinfully gorgeous, he’s also a truly good person.
So what in the world does he see in me?I quickly shake those doubts aside. This brunchwillbe a success. Tiffany and Denise both sit up straighter once they realize Adam’s approaching our table.
“Damn, girl! It’s likethat?“ Tiffany mutters under her breath.Yeah, it is.I give her a wink and turn as Adam pulls out the empty chair.
“I’m so sorry I’m late. The train got held underground, otherwise I would have texted.” He turns to me apologetically and kisses my cheek. I take his hand and squeeze it reassuringly.
“It’s all good, babe. We just ordered some brunch cocktails to get started.”
“Sounds good to me. So…” He looks between Denise and Tiffany. “Which one of you is Denise and which one is Tiffany?” Denise is the first to extend her hand for a handshake.
“I’m Denise. I’ve been friends with Maya since Pratt and we were even roommates for a year—“
“The worst idea ever,” I interrupt. “Between your massive closet and my endless crafting supplies, we sometimes had trouble finding the couch.” We both laugh and Tiffany takes Denise’s hand out of Adam’s and replaces it with her own.
“And I’m Tiffany. Maya and I have been tight since, like sixth grade?” I nod at Tiff. “She’s also been filling in at my Summer program up in Harlem.” Adam smiles warmly at both of my friends.
“Oh, I know all about that program. That’s the reason Maya’s alarm has been waking us up at 7:00 AM everySaturday.” Adam gives me a heated look that reminds me what we’rereallydoing when my alarm goes off and I avert my eyes so my friends don’t see me blush profusely. While some prefer “afternoon delight”, suffice it to say, Adam is a morning person.
“So you’ve been staying over a lot, have you?” Tiffany’s eyebrow is raised and my face turns even brighter red. Iknewthey were going to embarrass me today! To my surprise, Adam scoots his chair closer to mine and puts his arm around me.
“As much as she’ll let me. Her place has way better food, plus I hate when she has to leave early to feed Khan.”
Denise and Tiffany exchange amused looks before the waiter thankfully interrupts their impending battery of questions. Denise and I get the pancakes and fennel sausage, Adam gets the egg and sausage sandwich, and Tiffany gets the quiche. In keeping with my promise, I also order mimosas for Adam and myself.
“So, Adam.Staying over? Meeting the friends?You must be getting serious about our friend here.”Tiffany is relentless!I hide my face in my hands but not before seeing Denise smile and lean forward expectantly.
“Tiffany!” I squeal. I turn to Adam, my eyes pleading. “I’m so sorry, babe. I promise I didn’t ask her to ask you that.” Adam looks thoroughly entertained by this line of questioning.
“I don’t mind.” He takes a sip of his mimosa before turning to Tiffany. “To answer your question, yeah, Maya and I are definitely something special.”
“Hmm,” Tiffany looks unconvinced. “‘Special’? Not ‘Serious’?” I level Tiffany with my best withering stare. Adam laughs out loud.
“I’d hate to speak for Maya, so I’ll leave that one alone.” Tiffany opens her mouth to grill Adam further and I’m once again saved by the waiter who sets down our plates. I focus on eating and not the inquisition to avoid dying of embarrassment.
“I’m glad to hear you know how special Maya is.” Denise chimes in for the first time since introductions.Thank God!I’m going to need to have a talk with Tiffany. “So, have you ever dated a Black woman before, Adam?” I clench my fork so hard it might snap.
“Denise!” Oh my God. Kill me now!
“What? I think it’s a fair question.” Of course Tiffany does. The two of them have practically no filter. I warned Adam beforehand, but they are in rare form today.
“You’re right,” Adam begins. “It is a fair question, especially from two people looking out for their friend.” He smiles at me and squeezes my hand under the table. “No, I’ve never gone out with a Black woman before…I’ve never gone out with anyone like Maya before.” Denise leans closer to Adam, the judgement clear in her eyes.
“And what exactly does that mean?” Denise asks. I know she means well, but the claws are definitely out. Adam takes a big bite of his sandwich; chewing while mulling over the question.
“Well, she’s beautiful, of course. She’s talented as hell.” Adam makes a show of thinking. “She’s a badass girl boss.”
“My girl’s definitely a boss; no qualifiers necessary,” Tiffany insists. Adam nods, smart enough not to push the issue.
“No doubt. Maya’s sweet, willing to do anything for a friend or loved one in need. And she’s hella smart.” Adam wipes his mouth before taking another bite of his sandwich. “I mean, I know she’s way more than that, but that’s just off the top of my head.”
